European Commission wants to impose import tariffs on Israel

BRUSSELS (ANP) – It concerns the ministers Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich. In addition, the European Commission is halting financial contributions to exchange projects with a total value of 20 million euros. The measures will remain in effect until Israel allows more food and humanitarian aid into Gaza and ensures that a two-state solution remains possible.

For the suspension of the trade part of the association agreement between the EU and Israel, a qualified majority of EU member states must agree. This means that 55 percent of the member states, which together represent at least 65 percent of the total EU population, must consent. Unanimity is required for the imposition of sanctions.

So far, the member states are divided.

The EU is Israel’s most important trading partner. 32 percent of its trade is exported to the EU. Israel will have to pay import duties on nearly 6 billion euros worth of export products. This amounts to an annual sum of 227 million euros.

The European Commission does not propose an import ban on Israeli settlements in the occupied territories. Among others, the Netherlands does want that. The Dutch cabinet decided at the end of July to impose a travel ban on ministers Ben-Gvir and Smotrich. Other EU member states have already done so.

(September 17, 2025)